THE DENTAL OFFICE Part 1 for student

A sheltered system where a dentist performs and carries out their duties, requiring architectural considerations, mechanical/electrical facilities, pharmaceutical supplies, industrial devices, and business.

Dental Office

Fundamental Compartments

Parts of the dental office that are essential for the practice of dentistry.

Optional Compartments

Additional parts of the dental office that are not essential but can be included.

Reception Room or Waiting Room

A compartment in the dental office where patients can wait before their appointment.

Dental Chair

A chair used for dental procedures, which can be either portable or non-portable/stationary.

Cuspidor or Spittoon

A bowl-like receptacle in the dental unit used to collect saliva, fluids, and debris from the patient's mouth.

Saliva Ejector

A metal or plastic mouthpiece used to keep the mouth and the field of operation free from saliva.

Tumbler Holder

A holder for the glass or tumbler used by the patient, usually equipped with a faucet for filling it with water.

Syringes

Devices used in dental procedures, including air syringes for air blasts and water syringes for flushing or cleaning.

Pilot Light

A strong shaded electric bulb that can be swung in all directions to light up the patient's mouth.

Opaque Glass Plate/X-ray Viewer

A device used to hold dental radiographs in place for reading and interpretation.

Bracket Table

A table that holds hand instruments and other materials used by the dental operator.

High and Low-Speed Adaptors

Devices used to hold the handpieces used by the dental operator.

Handpieces

Devices used in cutting hard tissues of the mouth.

Foot Control

A control mechanism that allows the dental handpiece to function as needed.

Movable Equipment

Equipment in the dental office that can be moved, including dental x-ray machines, sterilizers, and operative/surgical instruments.

Dental X-ray Machine

A diagnostic apparatus used to reveal conditions of tissues not visible during clinical visual examination.

Intra-oral Radiographic Films

Films used inside the mouth for dental x-rays, including standard periapical films and child-sized films.

Extra-oral Radiographic Films

Films used outside the mouth for dental x-rays, including panoramic films and cephalometric films.

Infection Control

Precautions taken in healthcare settings, including dental offices, to prevent the spread of disease.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Specialized clothing or equipment worn by dental staff to protect against infectious materials.

Hand Hygiene

The most effective method of reducing the risk of disease transmission, including hand washing and hand sanitizing.

Sterilization

The process of destroying all life on instruments to prevent diseases, often done using steam under pressure or dry heat.

Chemical / cold sterilization

Sterilization in liquid form.

Sanitation

The cleanliness of instruments in a dental office, providing protection to both patients and dental staff.

Aerosol

Chemical compounds that mix well with room air and are used to sweeten the air in a dental office.

Disinfectant

Substances that stop or prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Disinfection

The process of destroying pathogenic microorganisms using chemical agents known as disinfectants.

Home Care Regimen

A dental care routine that patients can follow at home.

Toothbrush

Used for regular toothbrushing to prevent caries, periodontal diseases, and halitosis.

Dentifrices

Substances with fluoride concentration used for oral hygiene.

Dental Floss

Waxed or unwaxed string used to clean between teeth.

Proper Flossing Technique

Technique used to clean beneath the gumline and between teeth using dental floss.

Mouthwashes / mouth rinses

Substances that temporarily reduce oral malodor and leave a pleasant taste.

Dental Instruments

A wide variety of highly specific instruments used during dental treatment procedures.

Operative Instruments

Instruments used during dental procedures such as cutting, condensing, plastic, finishing, and polishing.

Cutting Instruments

Hand or rotary instruments used to cut tooth tissue.

Condensing Instruments

Instruments used to pack or force restorative materials into tooth preparations.

Plastic Instruments

Instruments used in various operative procedures such as mixing cements, carving, and burnishing.

Finishing and Polishing Instruments

Hand or rotary instruments used for finishing and polishing dental materials.

Prophylaxis Hand Instruments

Instruments used to remove debris or hard deposits on the surface of the tooth.

Diagnostic Hand Instruments

Instruments used as aids in identifying diseases of the oral cavity.

General Surgical Instruments

Instruments used in dental surgical procedures.

Mouth Mirror

Hand instrument used for visualization during dental procedures.

Cotton Pliers

Hand instrument used for holding and manipulating cotton materials.

Explorers

Hand instrument used for examining tooth surfaces for decay or other abnormalities.

Spoon Excavators

Hand instrument used for removing carious dentin or debris from tooth preparations.

Handle

Part of a hand instrument that is grasped.

Shank

Part of a hand instrument that connects the handle and the blade or nib.

Blade or Nib

Functional end of a hand instrument.

Finger Rests

Positions assumed by the third and fourth fingers to stabilize the instrument during use.